Neuropathic pain (NP) is associated with maladaptive functional reorganization of the brain, yet the central mechanisms through which massage therapy exerts its analgesic effects remain poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate the impact of acupoint massage on spontaneous neural activity in a rat model of chronic constriction injury (CCI) of the sciatic nerve using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI). Male Sprague-Dawley rats (N = 45) were randomly allocated into three groups: control, CCI model, and CCI with massage intervention. The massage group received daily acupoint pressing therapy from postoperative day 4 to day 17. Mechanical paw withdrawal threshold (PWT) and thermal paw withdrawal latency (PWL) were assessed at baseline and on days 4, 7, 10, and 17 post-modeling. rs-fMRI scans were acquired at three time points (pre-modeling, day 7, and day 17) using a 9.4T small-animal MRI system. Whole-brain amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (ALFF) was analyzed to evaluate spontaneous neural activity. CCI modeling induced significant alterations in ALFF across multiple brain regions involved in sensory, affective, and cognitive processing, including the amygdala, hippocampus, insular cortex, and somatosensory cortex. Massage intervention produced a significant group × time interaction effect in the left hippocampus (voxel p < 0.005, cluster p < 0.05 FWE corrected). Specifically, at 7 days post-modeling, ALFF values in the massage group were significantly lower than those in the model group (p = 0.0357), indicating early attenuation of CCI-induced hippocampal hyperactivity. Behaviorally, massage intervention significantly elevated PWT and PWL from day 7 onward (p < 0.001), with sustained improvement through day 17. Massage therapy alleviates NP through modulation of spontaneous neural activity across multiple brain regions, with dynamic regulation of hippocampal plasticity emerging as a critical central mechanism. The early normalization of hippocampal hyperactivity may serve as a potential neuroimaging biomarker for massage-mediated analgesia and provides experimental evidence supporting the clinical application of massage for NP management.
This systematic review evaluated the effectiveness of massage-based rehabilitation interventions in athletes undergoing arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR), with particular emphasis on return-to-sport (RTS) outcomes in professional and elite athletes. The review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines and included studies published between January 2020 and February 2026 from PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and the Cochrane Library. Eligibility criteria were refined to prioritize primary research directly examining massage-based or soft tissue/manual therapy interventions after ACLR. Methodological quality and the risk of bias were assessed using RoB 2 for randomized controlled trials, ROBINS-I for non-randomized studies, and relevant critical appraisal tools according to study design. The findings indicated that massage-based interventions, including sports massage, myofascial release, acupoint stimulation, percussion massage, and related manual therapies, were associated with reduced pain and oedema, improved muscle tone, enhanced proprioception, and faster functional recovery. The most favourable RTS outcomes were reported when these interventions were integrated within structured, individualized, exercise-based rehabilitation programmes. Successful RTS, commonly achieved within 6-12 months, was further supported by phased progression, sport-specific conditioning, objective functional testing, and the assessment of psychological readiness. Massage-based rehabilitation appears to be a valuable adjunct to comprehensive post-ACLR rehabilitation. Early multimodal rehabilitation including massage was reported to reduce pain and oedema.Structured, phased rehab protocols were emphasized to optimize RTS.Massage and adjunct therapies were shown to enhance function and neuromuscular control.
Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is a common, distressing symptom in patients undergoing hormone therapy for breast and prostate cancer. Although exercise is recommended, it is not suitable for all patients. Passive therapies such as massage and Reiki may offer accessible alternatives. This study evaluated the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of Reiki and massage therapy in reducing CRF, with Reiki also assessed for potential dose-response effects. Adults (age ≥21 years) with breast cancer receiving aromatase inhibitors or with prostate cancer receiving androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) for at least 8 weeks, who reported moderate CRF (score ≥4/10), were enrolled if they had completed other cancer treatments at least 2 months prior. Exclusion criteria included planned nonhormonal cancer treatments, use of erythropoietin or darbepoetin, recent professional massage or energy therapy, or contraindications to massage. CRF was assessed using the Brief Fatigue Inventory (BFI). ANCOVA, adjusted for baseline values, was used to evaluate between-group differences in BFI total score at week 6. Cohen d was used to estimate within-group effect sizes. Feasibility was assessed based on recruitment, retention, and adherence. A total of 87 participants (breast cancer, n=57; prostate cancer, n=30) were randomized to 2 sessions of massage therapy, 2 sessions of Reiki, or 4 sessions of Reiki. All interventions significantly reduced CRF from baseline (P<.001). Reiki produced greater within-group effect sizes (Cohen d=0.81-1.49 for 2 sessions; 0.99-1.49 for 4 sessions) than massage (d=0.50-0.60). The 4-session Reiki group had the largest reductions in total CRF (d=1.16), worst CRF (d=1.49), and CRF interference (d=0.99). Feasibility was high, with 51% recruitment, 94% retention, and 85% adherence. Reiki and massage are safe, feasible, and promising interventions for managing CRF in patients receiving hormone therapy. Reiki showed the largest improvements, supporting its clinical relevance. Larger trials are needed to confirm these findings and inform CRF management guidelines. gov Identifier: NCT02758756.
To evaluate the effectiveness of abdominal massage in preventing postoperative constipation among orthopedic surgery patients based on evidence from randomized controlled trials. Systematic review of randomized controlled trials. A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar databases for studies published in Turkish or English between 2014 and 2024. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal Checklist for Randomized Controlled Trials. A total of 4,517 records were identified, and five studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. The included studies consistently demonstrated that abdominal massage significantly reduced constipation symptoms, increased bowel movements, and improved patients' quality of life. Although the timing, frequency, and duration of massage interventions varied across studies, all reported positive outcomes. Patients who received abdominal massage experienced earlier bowel movements and reduced reliance on laxatives compared with those receiving routine care. Abdominal massage appears to be an effective, safe, and promising non-pharmacological intervention for preventing and managing postoperative constipation in orthopedic surgery patients. By promoting bowel function, it may contribute to enhanced patient comfort and recovery. Further high-quality studies are needed to establish standardized protocols regarding the optimal timing, frequency, duration, and technique of abdominal massage in postoperative care.
Healthy neonates experience pain during procedures such as vitamin K injections. Pain adversely affects the neonate, so it is important to control it. This study compared the effects of local heat and massage using the flick application on the pain caused by vitamin K injection in neonates. This experimental research was conducted on neonates in Rafsanjan, Iran. The samples were selected using the convenience method and randomly placed in three groups: flick application massage, local heat, and control. In the flick application group, a flick was delivered with the thumb and the index finger on the injection site. In the local heat group, injection site was heated to 40 °C using a hair dryer. The pain score was measured using the Neonatal Infant Pain Scale (NIPS), and data analysis was performed using SPSS software. Based on the results, there was a significant difference between the average pain score of the neonates in the local heat group and the control group (P<0.001) and between the massage group and the control group (P<0.001). Neonates in the local heat group experienced less pain than those in the massage group. However, there was no difference between the average pain score of the massage group and the local heat group after injection (P = 0.11). In this study, both interventions reduced the pain caused by the intramuscular injection of vitamin K. These findings suggest that either technique can be used in clinical practice, depending on the conditions.
Cognitive fatigue is a state of reduced mental performance resulting from prolonged periods of cognitive activity. It is characterized by a sense of tiredness that reduces decision-making abilities. To date, there remains a significant gap in classifying cognitive fatigue under the influence of mechanical massage via massage chair and binaural beats brain massage aided by functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy. Our aim is to explore the impact of mechanical and binaural brain massage on cognitive fatigue recovery whilst carrying out an extensive comparative analysis of the efficacy of the existing Deep Learning (DL) models alongside conventional Machine Learning (ML) models. The experimental paradigm is consisted of two treatments: Treatment A (Control (General Rest) Group) and B (Experimental Group). Real-time data acquisition of 10 test subjects before and after both treatments is being done. Following a meticulous features extraction protocol, a comprehensive set of 8 DL and 8 ML models is utilized, and their performance is evaluated through a comparative analysis. The categorical results unequivocally demonstrate that Temporal Convolutional Network achieves superior performance by outperforming other DL models, boasting a remarkable accuracy of 97% and 96.52% for Treatment A and B, respectively. Likewise, Support Vector Machine with Radial Basis Function overtakes other ML models by yielding 91.00% and 87.50% accuracy for Treatment A and B, respectively. Upon evaluation of models' performance in Brain-Computer Interface application, it's been concluded that mechanical massage along with binaural beats significantly helps to relieve mental fatigue, enhance working memory, and mental vigilance.
Ten young women with grade 2 lipodystrophy were studied. All subjects participated in a series of anti-cellulite massage treatments using Chinese cupping. Eleven treatments were performed over a 3-week period. Before and after the series of treatments, selected skin characteristics were measured, and the degree of lipodystrophy was determined. Massage was performed only on the right lower limb (study limb) (it has always been the dominant limb), while the left lower limb was the control limb. The study showed a significant increase in skin hydration (F = 19.44; p = 0.00), elasticity (F = 9.08; p = 0.00) and smoothness (F = 34.01; p = 0.00), as well as a reduction in transepidermal water loss (F = 11.01; p = 0.00) in the study and control groups. In addition, a statistically significant reduction in lower limb circumference was observed in the study group (F = 3.29; p = 0.04; F = 1.75; p = 0.18; F = 3.07; p = 0.04), indicating a positive effect of anti-cellulite massage on skin parameters and circumference reduction in young women with lipodystrophy. The anti-cellulite massage using the Chinese cupping has a positive effect on skin hydration, smoothness and firmness, as well as on reducing transepidermal water loss. It also has a beneficial effect on reducing the circumference in the treatment area. Ethics approval and consent to participate: The study was conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki, and approved by the Bioethical Committee of the District Medical Chamber in Krakow: 64/KBL/OIL/2024 of 04/07/2024. Informed consent was obtained from all subjects involved in the study.
Psychological distress, particularly depression and anxiety, is highly prevalent among elderly cancer patients. Such psychological distress has been shown to significantly affect quality of life, treatment adherence, and overall prognosis. Although pharmacological treatments are available, they may increase the risk of adverse effects and drug interactions in older adults. Therefore, safe and effective non-pharmacological interventions tailored to geriatric oncology populations are urgently needed. Traditional Chinese massage (Tui Na), which has historically been used to harmonize the body and mind, may alleviate cancer-related psychosomatic disorders by modulating autonomic nervous system activity and mitigating affective disturbances. This study presents a standardized therapeutic massage protocol applied in elderly cancer patients with clinically diagnosed anxiety and/or depression. The primary outcomes were changes in depression and anxiety, and quality of life was assessed as a secondary outcome. Adverse events were monitored to evaluate safety. This study demonstrates the application of therapeutic massage as a complementary, non-pharmacological intervention for psychological distress in elderly cancer patients. The findings support the integration of massage therapy into comprehensive geriatric oncology care and suggest a safe and feasible approach to improving mental well-being in this vulnerable population.
To evaluate personalized Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) massage combined with Tuina for children with congenital heart disease (CHD) and malnutrition intolerance. Clinical data of 315 children from Hebei Children's Hospital (December 2023 - May 2025) were retrospectively analyzed and divided into a study group (n=160, personalized TCM massage plus Tuina) and a control group (n=155, routine nursing). Symptoms, growth indicators, gastrointestinal hormones [motilin (MLT), gastrin (GAS), somatostatin (SS)], nutritional markers [hemoglobin (Hb), albumin (ALB)], and complications were compared. The improvement rates of symptoms such as feeding difficulties, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal distension in the research group were higher than those in the control group (P < 0.05). Post-intervention growth indicators and serum MLT, GAS, Hb, and ALB levels increased more significantly in the study group, while SS levels decreased further (P<0.05). The complication rate was lower in the study group (2.50%) than in the control group (8.39%) (P<0.05). Personalized TCM massage combined with Tuina effectively improves clinical symptoms, promotes growth, regulates gastrointestinal hormones, and enhances nutritional status in children with CHD and malnutrition intolerance, with fewer complications than routine nursing.
Percussive massage guns are increasingly available in society, yet the risk of improper use is under-recognised. We report an unusual case of bilateral retinal tears and dialysis in a student who used a high-frequency percussive massage gun directly onto his eyes and around his orbit to relieve tiredness. Despite no ocular history, examination revealed extensive retinal tears and commotio retinae (retinal bruising) in both eyes. The patient was treated successfully with barrier laser therapy. This rare presentation highlights the potential for significant retinal injury. It also underscores the need for cautious massage gun use, careful history taking in unexpected clinical scenarios and clear manufacturer warnings against improper application.
The management of postoperative pain in children represents a complex and crucial aspect of their care. This study was conducted to determine the effect of massage on pain and vital signs in children receiving postoperative care following cardiovascular surgery. The study was conducted in accordance with a randomized controlled experimental design, with 86 children undergoing cardiovascular surgery in the postoperative period. Patients in the experimental group received classical massage. Pain and vital signs were evaluated in the experimental and control groups. The mean scores of the children in the experimental and control groups were found to be statistically similar at the pretest measurement. A statistically significant difference was identified between the groups in the mean scores of pain, heart rate, and oxygen saturation at the posttest measurement. The massage therapy group exhibited reduced postoperative pain compared with the control group, and demonstrated favorable effects on oxygen saturation, respiratory rate, heart rate, and systolic blood pressure.
Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) impose a significant burden on primary healthcare systems and the economy. Massage therapy (MT) may represent a useful tool for addressing these issues. However, the lack of robust evidence confirming its effectiveness makes this therapy controversial. This study aimed to assess the feasibility of implementing guideline-based MT into routine primary care practice. In this retrospective study, records of 258 primary care patients (median (Me) = 51.5 years; 1st and 3rd quartiles (Q1-Q3) = 42-66) were analyzed. These patients had previously received MT according to guidelines recommended by the Polish Society of Physiotherapy, the Polish Society of Family Medicine, the College of Family Physicians in Poland, and the European Rural and Isolated Practitioners Association (EURIPA). The effectiveness of therapy was evaluated using the visual analogue scale (VAS) and the number of general practitioner (GP) appointments booked by patients (NA). The majority of patients who received MT suffered from low back pain (M54.5) (39.1%); soft tissue disorders related to use, overuse, and pressure (M70) (27.5%); unspecified spondylosis (M47.9) (9.3%); and osteoarthritis of the knee (M17.5 and M17.9) (4.3%). A Wilcoxon test revealed a significant reduction in NA for M54.5 (p < 0.001), M70 (p < 0.001), others (p < 0.001), M17 (p = 0.004), and M47.9 (p < 0.001), as well as in VAS scores for M54.5 (p < 0.001), M70 (p < 0.001), others (p < 0.001), M47.9 (p < 0.001), and M17 (p = 0.003) after MT. This study supports the potential benefits of integrating physiotherapy-led massage into routine primary care practice for the management of selected musculoskeletal disorders. When implemented in cooperation with family physicians, MT may reduce pain and decrease the need for additional GP visits.
To investigate the effects of reflexology on pain and quality of life in patients with diabetes and neuropathic pain. Randomized controlled trials of reflexology on pain and quality of life in patients with diabetes and neuropathic pain were searched comprehensively in PubMed, Embase, Medline, Scopus, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, CINAHL, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Google Scholar, DergiPark, and the Turkish Higher Education Center Dissertation databases up to March 10, 2025. The risk of bias was assessed using the revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials. The effect of the intervention was estimated as the standard mean difference with 95% confidence interval (CI) using random-effects models in Review Manager 5.4, and heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 statistic. Eight experimental trials were included in this meta-analysis, comprising five randomized controlled trials and three quasi-experimental studies. The total sample size of the studies was 590 (experimental group: 296; control group: 294). The findings revealed a statistically significant reduction in total pain levels of 1.64 points (mean difference: -1.64; 95% CI: [-1.81, -1.47]; Z = 18.79; p < .00001). The quality of life scale showed a decrease of 14.31 points, which was statistically significant and favored the experimental group (mean difference: -14.31; 95% CI: [-18.75, -9.87]; Z = 6.32; p < .0001). However, significant heterogeneity and risks of bias were observed across studies (I2 < 40%). Based on the combined results of this study, reflexology was found to reduce pain and improve quality of life in patients with diabetes and neuropathic pain. Therefore, reflexology may be a potentially effective complementary technique for improving neuropathic pain, and healthcare professionals could play an important role in advising patients on how to access qualified reflexology practitioners. Reflexology massage significantly reduces neuropathic pain and improves quality of life in patients with diabetes and neuropathic pain, offering a noninvasive, potentially cost-effective complementary therapy that can enhance multidisciplinary care plans for managing diabetic neuropathy.
Abdominal massage (AM), a traditional Chinese medicine treatment, is gradually being recognized in clinical practice for its ability to improve the symptoms of obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in clinical practice. This study aimed to investigate the effect of AM on an obesity-associated T2DM model induced by a high-fat diet (HFD) combined with a small dose of streptozotocin (STZ). Thirty male Sprague‒Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups: control group (CON), the obesity-associated T2DM group (MOD), and AM group. After 4 weeks of HFD feeding and STZ injection, the rats received AM for 4 weeks. AM significantly improved glucose intolerance, obesity, and colonic inflammation and reduced fasting blood glucose and glycated serum protein levels. In addition, AM significantly ameliorated glucolipid metabolism abnormalities in obesity-associated T2DM rats, as evidenced by improved glucose tolerance and favorable alterations in lipid profiles. AM also attenuated both systemic and intestinal inflammation, accompanied by a marked reduction in circulating pro-inflammatory cytokines. In summary, our results suggest that AM exerts protective effects against obesity-associated T2DM by improving glucolipid metabolism, attenuating systemic and intestinal inflammation, and restoring intestinal barrier integrity via suppression of the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway. Although long-term evaluations and multi-omics analyses are warranted to fully elucidate the underlying mechanisms, these results provide a solid theoretical basis for exploring AM as a potential barrier-protecting therapeutic strategy for obesity-related metabolic diseases.
Percussion massage guns (PMGs) have gained widespread popularity for muscle recovery; however, standardized safety guidelines for application to anatomically vulnerable regions are lacking. Previously reported PMG-associated ocular injuries have been limited to unilateral or mild bilateral involvement. We report the first documented case of bilateral anterior lens luxation with secondary glaucoma strongly associated with self-application of a PMG to closed eyelids. A 62-year-old Chinese male with type 2 diabetes mellitus and bilateral meibomian gland dysfunction presented with progressive visual decline and headache for 20 and 10 days, respectively, beginning approximately 7 days after discontinuing self-application of a PMG to closed eyelids (medium speed, 30-33 Hz; 10 min per session, 2-3 times daily for 3 consecutive days) used to relieve ocular dryness. Visual acuity was 0.12 OD and 0.2 OS, with intraocular pressure 51 mmHg OD and 49 mmHg OS. Ultrasound biomicroscopy revealed bilateral anterior lens luxation with 360° zonular dehiscence and complete angle closure. Hereditary, pseudoexfoliative, and biometric causes (including microspherophakia and phacomorphic glaucoma) were considered unlikely. Both eyes underwent sequential 25-gauge pars plana vitrectomy with lensectomy and closed four-point scleral fixation of a posterior chamber intraocular lens. At the latest follow-up (12 months postoperatively), best-corrected visual acuity was 1.0 OD and 0.8 OS, intraocular pressure was normal without antiglaucoma medication, and no glaucomatous optic neuropathy was detected on RNFL OCT. PMG application to the eyelids may be associated with severe bilateral ocular injury, including complete zonular dehiscence and secondary glaucoma, particularly in eyes with predisposing factors such as age-related zonular weakness or diabetes-related extracellular matrix changes. Manufacturers should incorporate explicit safety warnings against periorbital use. Clinicians should proactively guide diabetic patients with dry eye disease toward appropriate ophthalmic care to prevent harmful self-treatment.
Prolonged sitting is increasingly prevalent among young adults and is associated with reduced hamstring extensibility, increased stiffness, and heightened injury risk. Although stretching exercises can improve range of motion, their effects are often transient, with limited effect on muscle stiffness. Nitya-Abhyaṅga (daily self-massage) is a traditional Ayurvedic practice indicated for stiffness and restricted movements. However, evidence regarding its effect on hamstring flexibility remains limited. This study evaluated the combined effect of Nitya-Abhyaṅga and stretching exercises on hamstring extensibility, stiffness, and stretch tolerance in college students. In this randomized controlled trial (CTRI/2024/07/070623), 42 male college students aged 18-25 years with reduced hamstring extensibility (hand-toe distance >0 cm) were randomly allocated, after obtaining informed consent, to either Group A (Nitya-Abhyaṅga with stretching) or Group B (stretching alone) for a 4-week intervention period. Outcomes included the hand-toe test, knee extension test, hip flexion angle, muscle stiffness assessed using a digital algometer, and stretch tolerance measured using a visual analog scale, measured at baseline and post-intervention, with compliance monitored through participant diaries. Both groups demonstrated significant improvements over time. Two-way repeated-measures ANOVA revealed significant group ×  time interactions across all outcome measures (p ≤ 0.001), indicating significant improvement in the Abhyaṅga with stretching group compared with stretching alone, with moderate to large effect sizes. Nitya-Abhyaṅga combined with stretching was more effective than stretching alone in improving hamstring extensibility, reducing algometer-derived stiffness, and enhancing stretch tolerance. This combined approach may be recommended as a simple, cost-effective preventive practice to mitigate the adverse effects of prolonged sitting and to maintain musculoskeletal health.Clinical Trial Registration: identifier CTRI/2024/07/070623, https://ctri.nic.in/Clinicaltrials/pmaindet2.php?EncHid=MTExODU3&Enc=&userName=.
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Thoracolumbar fascia (TLF) alterations may contribute to nonspecific low back pain (NSLBP). We evaluated the effects of acupuncture, chiropractic care, and massage on TLF biomechanics, microstructure, and clinical outcomes in NSLBP. In this exploratory mechanistic hybrid trial, sixty participants (median age: 47 years [interquartile range 39-63]; 63% women) were randomized (1:1:1) to acupuncture, chiropractic, or a 3-week waitlist control, providing between-group comparisons. After the waitlist, control participants received massage therapy, enabling a sequential within-subject evaluation. Pre- and post-intervention assessments included TLF shear strain (ShS)-cumulated (C|ShS|L) and maximum (Max|ShS|L) absolute lateral strain-homodyned K-distribution (HKD) parameters, and clinical scores. Analyses used linear mixed-effects models, Fisher's exact test, and Spearman's rank correlation. In the randomized comparison, C|ShS|L decreased with chiropractic (β: -16%, 95% confidence interval [-29, -2]; p = 0.021; d = -0.322), but not with acupuncture (p = 0.130), and increased in controls (β: +19%, p = 0.003; d = +0.387), with a smaller rise in Max|ShS|L (β: +0.4%, p = 0.048). Massage following the control phase reduced C|ShS|L (β: -32%, p < 0.001; d = -0.673) and Max|ShS|L (β: -0.5%, p = 0.010). The control-massage phase interaction effect size for C|ShS|L was large (d = 1.082). HKD parameters remained unchanged. Only chiropractic yielded improvement in the Oswestry disability index (ODI) (p = 0.041). No correlation was observed between changes in C|ShS|L and ODI (ρ = 0.261; p = 0.054). Chiropractic and massage, unlike acupuncture, elicited detectable biomechanical changes, while chiropractic also enhanced disability outcomes. HKD detected no microstructural changes. Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT04843800. Registered April 14, 2021 ( https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04843800 ). This study shows that ultrasound-derived shear strain captures the short-term mechanical responses of the thoracolumbar fascia to chiropractic care or massage therapy in participants with chronic nonspecific low back pain, supporting the potential role of quantitative fascial imaging biomarkers for mechanistic assessment and treatment monitoring of this prevalent, debilitating disorder. Recent research suggests that altered microstructure and biomechanics of the thoracolumbar fascia may contribute to nonspecific low back pain. In this randomized trial, chiropractic care, but not acupuncture, reduced thoracolumbar shear strain, while controls showed increased strain. In the within-subject sequential analysis, thoracolumbar shear strain increased during the waitlist phase and decreased after massage therapy. No microstructural changes were detected over 3 weeks, potentially reflecting biological constraints and/or limitations in measurement sensitivity. Small sample size and low baseline disability likely limited the trial's power to detect significant effects on clinical outcomes.